The sun has finally made an appearance here in England, UK. It was a long winter, but now that the warm glow is gracing our faces, those dismal, dark days seem far away. As we embrace the change and switch to our summer wardrobes, there’s one staple that will be sure to make an appearance in many: Gingham. The epitome of summer, Gingham’s classic checked appearance has long been loved by many, myself included!
In true human fashion, everyone wants a bit of the Gingham pie and its origins are an issue of contention, with many countries claiming its creation. When you look at Gingham’s construction, this is not surprising. A check pattern that is simply two colours being woven in alternating, equally sized warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) stripes. It’s not a complex concept or design and was probably created in many different parts of the world for decades (or centuries!), without knowledge of each other. Humans often come up with the same ideas and concepts, unknowingly, I’m sure this extends to Gingham!
The term Gingham possibly originated from the Malaysian word ‘Genggang’, which means striped. It is thought that as Gingham was brought over and popularised by the English and Dutch, this got changed to Gingham and the fabric evolved into the check we know and love today. Interestingly an item of Cambodian national dress, the Krama, is a Gingham scarf traditionally woven in red or blue and white. Perhaps this gives more weight to the theory that Gingham originated in Indonesia and that Gingham is yet another of the West’s cultural appropriations. In France and Germany, Gingham is known as ‘Vichy’, named after the French town, another claim to its origin.
Traditionally made from cotton, it is cheap to make and durable. Historically these factors made it popular for people working in fields and factories alike. It was perfect for post war times, when resources were scarce. Later and still to this day, it’s used in many summer school uniform dresses and pinafores. It would seem that Gingham has been a utilitarian wardrobe staple for many, many years! Although the concept of design is simple, there is still fun to be had in designing Ginghams, from micro check to large and loud squares. Not to mention the colour possibilities that are now available!
Throughout the 20th Century, Gingham has had lots moments in the popular culture spotlight. From Dorothy’s blue dress in the classic 1939 Wizard of Oz, to Brigid Bardot’s iconic wedding dress, Gingham has seen many upheavals and revolutions in its use. Princess Diana was known to wear a number Gingham trousers, a far cry from its utilitarian origins.
For many, the checked pattern became synonymous with a wholesome, country farmhouse look. This connotation is also probably due to Gingham’s popular use as tablecloths and linens. As well as summer dresses and frolicking in fields, Gingham brings to mind idyllic picnics on a large checked blanket. A Gingham lined wicker basket, packed with all your summer picnic essentials. A sweet and sticky jar of homemade strawberry jam, with a square of red Gingham covering its lid. From our wardrobes, to our homes, to our lives, Gingham moves seamlessly with us. It encapsulates that sweet summer feeling, bringing a fresh energy despite its lengthy history. With Gingham still popular in fashion and homewares, I wonder where will Gingham take us in the next 100 years?
Do you share my love for Gingham? I’d love to hear about any Gingham items you have and what they meant you! Share in the comments or send me a message at hello@milliemorgan.uk to carry on the conversation.
Keep connecting,
Millie x
Gingham means school dresses! Also when I was a child, my mum had a girlfriend who could see and knit. She made me a beautiful lilac gingham dress with shirred bodice and sleeve edges, it was beautiful. She also knitted me a fair isle cardigan in navy and grey and lilac and really special buttons. There were my favourite clothes in the whole world. I think she made similar for my younger sister but different colours x